HELIOGABALUS

What! At ten o'clock! That's another thing: this ten o'clock business. Really I—

LUCIA

It is time.

HELIOGABALUS

Yes, it is time for a kiss. Plenty of time—time for a good, long, damp, sticky one. [Wheedling, half rising] Now, come on, Lucia! Be nice!

[She rolls one eye at him, but doesn't answer. He projects one leg out of bed]

HELIOGABALUS

Shall I? [She rolls the other eye indifferently] Do you dare me? I double-dare you to dare me!

[She remains silent]